// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Defensive Cyber Operations
Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) are the missions and actions taken to protect computer networks and systems from cyberattacks. This includes monitoring for threats, responding to security incidents, and actively defending critical data and infrastructure.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) encompass military and government missions within cyberspace focused on preserving the ability to utilize friendly cyber capabilities and protecting data, networks, and net-centric capabilities. DCO involves passive and active cyber defense actions, including threat hunting, incident response, and vulnerability mitigation to counter adversary actions against information systems.
BACKGROUND
The United States Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM) is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the United States Department of Defense (DoD). It unifies the direction of cyberspace operations, strengthens DoD cyberspace capabilities, and integrates and bolsters DoD's cyber expertise which focus on securing cyberspace.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- DCO
- cyber defense
- network defense
- blue teaming
- information assurance (IA)
- cybersecurity operations
- active defense
USAGE NOTE
In military doctrine, DCO is specifically focused on defending designated networks and is distinct from Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO).
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Defensive Cyber Operations.
A unified combatant command of the U.S. Department of Defense. USCYBERCOM's mission is to direct, synchronize, and coordinate cyberspace planning and operations to defend and advance national interests in collaboration with domestic and international partners. They are a primary operator and developer of DCO capabilities for the U.S. military.
A major multinational aerospace and defense technology company. They provide a full spectrum of cyber solutions, including tools for network defense, cyber resilience, threat detection, and secure communications, directly supporting military defensive cyber operations.
A leading defense contractor that develops advanced cybersecurity technologies for military and intelligence agencies. Their offerings include cyber defense platforms, threat intelligence services, and cyber range environments for training DCO personnel.
A global cybersecurity leader whose security platforms are widely adopted by government and defense agencies. Their technologies, including next-generation firewalls and the Cortex XSOAR platform, are used to automate and orchestrate threat response, a key component of DCO.
A cybersecurity technology company that provides cloud-native endpoint security, threat intelligence, and cyberattack response services. Its Falcon platform is used by defense organizations for real-time threat detection and response to protect networks and critical assets.
A major government contractor providing consulting, analytics, and engineering services to defense and intelligence agencies. They develop and implement comprehensive defensive cyber solutions, including threat hunting, incident response, and security operations center (SOC) modernization.
A science and technology company that is a major contractor for the Department of Defense. Leidos develops and manages large-scale defensive cyber systems, providing analytics, network security, and mission-critical IT protection.
A not-for-profit organization that manages federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). MITRE is renowned for developing the ATT&CK framework, a globally accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques used to develop threat models and methodologies for DCO.